With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a very diverse portfolio of outdoor activities, Colorado has much to offer for every taste. For a physician looking to obtain their Colorado medical license and set down roots in the Centennial state, the mile high city of Denver or the funky downtown streets of Boulder are optimal places to start. Over the past couple of decades, people have been flocking to many Colorado cities, not only due to the beautiful scenery but also because of the increased job opportunities in the healthcare sector.

Colorado is an excellent example of a state that has embraced technology and has implemented it into its many businesses and economic culture. Colorado’s robust healthcare sector’s, “collaborative approach to innovative thinking has proven successful in preventing, treating and curing diseases.” (1) This continued collaboration has helped some of Colorado’s hospitals become the best in the country. The Children’s Hospital Colorado has received many awards and ranks as a top pediatric hospital in the country, and The Craig Hospital in Denver is a world-renowned center for specialty rehabilitation and research for people with spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injuries. (1) These hospitals are just a few examples of the world-class facilities a doctor can work for after they obtain their physician license in Colorado.

The job opportunities that Colorado can offer are plenty. From the glamours slopes of Aspen to the bustling college town of Fort Collins, a physician with a Colorado medical license can decide if they want to work in a major hospital or a small private practice. Before you decide how you want to experience the splendor of the “colorful state,” ask yourself a few questions  before you determine where you set down those roots:

• What outdoor activities are offered to me at this location?
• What will my workload look like?
• Is this location in a city, or a rural town?
• What are my prime motivations for moving to Colorado?

If you determine your priorities before you obtain the job, such as working at a renowned facility like The Craig hospital or perhaps working at a smaller, more intimate private practice, then your expectations will be met before you even step foot in the state. Either way, any physician looking to apply for a physician license in Colorado will be able to take advantage of the work/life balance that many Colorado natives pride themselves on.  “Outdoor recreation is immensely important to this state and those who live and play here – it contributes to a higher quality of life, making people and communities happier and healthier.” (1) The work/life balance is essential for any working professional, and Colorado is notorious for providing their residents with plentiful opportunities to get out in nature or enjoy the amenities their towns and cities provide.

With breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, fishing, hiking and so many tourist attractions that keep major cities bustling year-round, it seems unlikely that there would be any jobs available that require a physician licensed in Colorado. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2009 – 2019 the education and health services sector has seen a statewide increase of over 88,000 jobs. (2) This growing health sector has provided ample opportunities for new physicians and medical personnel, which has made moving to and applying for a Colorado medical license a realistic option.